I have become an ardent fan of spoken word poetry. I have a collection of favorites that I keep in mind when I am working with someone in a therapeutic relationship. Occasionally, I suggest a particular poem that seems relevant because I am aware that we can crystallize feelings and internal images, not only through our own creation process, but through the absorption of apt images through films, art, and words spoken by others.

As I have surfed through hundreds of poems on youtube, it amazes me that someone has given voice to some of the most hellacious inner struggles of modern life. No matter how troubled or alone one may feel, there is someone else out there who has traversed the same territory of pain. Someone was able to give birth to images that are big enough to hold those immense feelings. Someone has found a way through.

The atmosphere of a poetry slam reminds me very much of a therapeutic group. The audience offers unconditional support, intense focus and concentration, and a readiness to laugh and cry along with the stories being shared. There are cheers and applause for the highest value commodities: empowerment, vulnerability, creativity, courage.

Here are a few that could be helpful in appropriate groups or clients on specific topics:

This one is a brilliant description about the development of self in spite of parental absence or neglect.

One of my favorites about survivors of sexual violation.

Finding resolve in recovering from addiction.

Empowering poem about self-image for women.

On the ability to survive a tragedy.

On spousal abuse and battered wives.

On the journey through the death of a loved one.

A celebration of life with Bipolar Disorder.

This list could go on and on, but I hope this small sample demonstrates the range of poems and their value in the expressive therapies.

Thanks to all who have sent me thank-you notes, to those who, like me, are always in the process of learning new ways of being in service to others.